Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Newark, DE: $33.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Newark, DE runs $33.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,782 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Newark's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,276 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Newark, Delaware, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) earn a median hourly rate of $33.07, slightly above the national median of $32.73. This competitive pay reflects the diverse settings in which LPNs work, including skilled nursing facilities, home health care, and physician offices. For those considering part-time or per-diem positions, such an hourly wage translates into significant earnings while balancing personal commitments. Hourly compensation for LPNs in Newark spans from $26.41 at the lower end of the pay scale to $40.77 for the most experienced professionals. This range provides flexibility for entry-level nurses starting their careers as well as seasoned LPNs seeking higher compensation or specialized roles.
About the Newark Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.41 | $211.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.57 | $244.55 |
| Median (P50) | $33.07 | $264.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.12 | $304.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.77 | $326.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newark
Based on $33.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.07/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newark, DE can expect to earn approximately $68,793 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,688. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newark.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newark
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,322.94 | $5,733 | $68,793 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $793.76 | $3,440 | $41,276 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $529.18 | $2,293 | $27,517 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Newark) | $33.07 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Newark, DE earn a median of $68,782 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.04% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.60% below the Delaware state average of $69,197.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.07/hr = $41,276/year (purchasing power: $40,586).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,793/year (purchasing power: $67,643).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Newark (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Newark grew 35.6% from $23.07/hr (2019) to $31.29/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.96/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newark metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in Newark
When analyzing the financial implications for LPNs in Newark, part-time workers, typically employed three days a week, can expect to earn considerably less annually than their full-time counterparts. For instance, a part-time LPN working 24 hours per week may see their total take-home income significantly reduced, impacting long-term financial planning. On the per diem front, licensed practical nurses commonly deliver services at competitive rates, billing between $28 and $42 hourly, with agency nurses in high-demand facilities sometimes earning up to $60 an hour. Variation in rates exists depending on the employment setting—LPNs in hospitals might experience different wage packages compared to those in long-term care or corrections. While some LPNs might opt for lower-paying roles to secure benefits such as health insurance, others may prioritize higher hourly rates even without such perks. For those looking to negotiate their hourly wages, understanding the range offered by different settings in Newark can be a valuable asset in maximizing earning potential.
More salary data for Newark, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Newark in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Newark?
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Related Pages
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in Newark. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Newark is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov